Inflammatory biomarkers in stable atherosclerosis.

Inflammation is a key mechanism in atherosclerotic progression and destabilization that precedes clinical events such as myocardial infarction. The inflammatory biomarkers provide a window into many of these inflammatory processes. In research studies, average levels of these biomarkers in groups of subjects are often related to the risk of clinical events, and modification of risk factors can change the plasma concentrations of many biomarkers, reflecting suppression of inflammation. More evidence exists for C-reactive protein (CRP) than for other inflammatory biomarkers, and the discussion of the clinical value of plasma levels of these markers is focused mainly on CRP. Although the inflammatory biomarkers are useful research tools, their value as a clinical instrument for assessment of cardiovascular risk and/or treatment efficacy is still widely debated. Each biomarker has passionate supporters who advocate these applications, but, at this stage, no inflammatory biomarker has universal support for clinical use and their potential for fulfilling this role requires further study.